An investigation has been launched after an 87-year-old man fell down an open lift shaft at a block of flats designed for pensioners.

It will try and establish how the man came to fall one floor onto the top of the lift at Nevyll Court, in Station Road, Thorpe Bay.

Firefighters were able to rescue the man and, despite his age, his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

A health and safety investigation has been launched by Southend Council.

Nevyll Court is not a nursing or residential home, but the flats are designed specifically for elderly people who want to live independently and there is an on-call warden.

It is thought decorators had been in painting the lift doors.

Published Monday, January 13, 2003

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